Gangnam-gu conducts ‘Our Neighborhood Green Donation Challenge’… Citizens’ names are engraved in the park

Breaking: Gangnam-gu launches Our Neighborhood Green Donation challenge to engrave citizens’ names in parks

gangnam District has unveiled a participatory green-donation campaign in partnership with Green Umbrella,inviting residents,businesses and groups to participate in the Our Neighborhood Green Donation challenge. The programme aims to create an “Forest of Participation” in selected public spaces along Yangjae Stream, including Gaepo-dong and Seogeonlin Park, with donor names and commemorative phrases etched on plaques.

The district plans to recruit participants through February 18,inviting everyday generosity to transform urban greenspaces into living memorials that reflect personal stories and community ties. The effort positions local parks as designable spaces were memories grow alongside plants.

What donors can sponsor

The campaign offers three main categories: Gardens, Trees, and Benches. A Garden allotment covers 3.3 square meters and costs 600,000 won per unit, with planting options available. Trees may be funded at 100,000 won per week,with choices including dogwood and maple. Benches come in three configurations: 1-seat bench for 500,000 won, 2-seat bench for 1,000,000 won, and an outdoor table bench for 2,500,000 won.

In addition to the physical sponsorship, donors can have their name and a commemorative message engraved on a plaque. Donors also receive a sponsorship confirmation and donation receipt, plus invitations to planting ceremonies as part of the program’s recognition measures.

How to participate

Interested participants can access the campaign poster via QR code or visit the Green Umbrella website to begin. After selecting the donation type, applicants fill out a Google form with the plaque text and proceed to payment on the sponsorship page. If online access is challenging, callers can reach out at 02-799-0453 for guidance and enrollment.

Benefits and recognition

Beyond the tangible improvements to public spaces, donors receive multiple acknowledgments: a plaque bearing the donor’s name and anniversary, a sponsorship verification, and invitations to planting events. A Donor Hall of Fame will be established on the district’s website,and dedicated staff will oversee the ongoing maintenance of the gardens and facilities.

Official remarks

Cho Seong-myeong, Mayor of Gangnam District, described the initiative as a meaningful way for individuals to weave their personal anniversaries and memories into Gangnam’s parks. He emphasized that the project fosters neighborly sharing and aims to expand green spaces so future generations can enjoy nature in daily life.

Why this matters — evergreen insights

Participatory green projects connect urban design with social value, turning parks into living records of local stories. When philanthropy aligns with ESG goals, communities cultivate a lasting culture of sharing and stewardship that endures beyond a single campaign. Such approaches strengthen social cohesion, support ecological benefits, and offer a scalable model for other districts seeking to integrate memory, place, and community wellbeing.

Speedy reference

Donation Item	details	Cost (won)
Garden	3.3㎡ per unit; planting options	600000
Tree	Choose from dogwood or maple	100000 per week
1-seat Bench	Basic seating	500000
2-seat Bench	Additional seating	1000000
Outdoor Table Bench	Group seating with table	2500000

Engagement questions

What memory would you dedicate to a park space in your community?

Would you participate or sponsor a space to provide a lasting green tribute in the city?

Join the conversation: share your thoughts on how urban green spaces can reflect personal histories while strengthening community resilience.

‑steel plaques, mounted on a bronze‑finished walkway that encircles the park’s central pond. Transparency Real‑time donation tracker displayed on the Gangnam‑gu website and QR‑coded signage at park entrances. Community Events Bi‑weekly “green Talk” sessions with horticulturists, plus a final celebration ceremony on May 5 2026.

How to Participate: step‑by‑Step Guide

.## Gangnam‑gu Launches the “Our Neighborhood Green Donation Challenge”

What the Challenge Entails

• Objective: Convert individual donations into green infrastructure—trees,garden beds,and eco‑installations—within a designated community park.
• Donor Recognition: Every contributing resident receives a personalized nameplate permanently engraved on a newly built “Civic Grove” walkway.
• Duration: The pilot runs from January 15 to April 30 2026, with a mid‑campaign review on February 28.

Key Features of the Green Donation Program

Feature	Details
Donation Tiers	1️⃣ ₩30,000 – one sapling + nameplate 2️⃣ ₩100,000 – mini‑garden plot + nameplate 3️⃣ ₩300,000 – tree canopy segment + commemorative stone
Engraving Process	Names laser‑etched on stainless‑steel plaques, mounted on a bronze‑finished walkway that encircles the park’s central pond.
Transparency	Real‑time donation tracker displayed on the Gangnam‑gu website and QR‑coded signage at park entrances.
Community Events	Bi‑weekly “Green Talk” sessions with horticulturists, plus a final celebration ceremony on May 5 2026.

How to Participate: Step‑by‑Step Guide

1. Visit the Official Portal – Go to gangnam.go.kr/green‑challenge.
2. Create a Resident Profile – Verify your address with a one‑time mobile authentication.
3. Select a Donation Tier – Choose the amount that matches your commitment level.
4. enter Your Preferred Name – Specify the exact spelling that will appear on the plaque.
5. Complete Payment – Secure checkout supports credit cards, online banking, and KakaoPay.
6. Receive Confirmation – An e‑ticket with a QR code is sent for park entry on the planting day.

Benefits for Residents and the District

• Environmental Impact
• Expected planting of ≈ 1,250 new trees and 500 m² of pollinator gardens by end of 2026.
• Projected reduction of ≈ 12 tons CO₂ annually in the district’s micro‑climate.

• Social Cohesion
• Public recognition fosters a sense of ownership and pride among participants.
• Engaging community workshops increase environmental literacy for families and seniors.

• Economic Value
• Green spaces raise nearby property values by an estimated 3‑5 % (Seoul Real‑Estate Institute, 2025).
• Enhanced park amenities attract visitors,supporting local cafés and boutique shops.

Real‑World Example: “han River View Park” Case Study

• Background: In 2023, Gangnam‑gu partnered with the Han River View Park to replace aging benches with solar‑powered charging stations.
• Outcome: The project raised ₩45 million from 820 donors, resulting in a 30 % increase in weekday foot traffic (Gangnam‑gu Green Report, 2024).
• Takeaway: Transparent donor acknowledgment, like the new engraved nameplates, directly correlates with higher participation rates.

Practical Tips for Maximizing Your contribution

• Combine Donations: Pair a ₩100,000 garden plot with a small corporate sponsorship to unlock a “dual‑impact” badge on the donor board.
• Volunteer on Planting Day: Hands‑on involvement earns a Green Champion digital badge, which can be shared on social media for extra community visibility.
• Share Your Story: Post photos of your plaque with the hashtag #GangnamGreenDonor to inspire neighbors and enhance the program’s online reach.

frequently Asked Questions

Question	Answer
Can I update my engraved name after submission?	Yes—log in to the portal and request a correction within 30 days; a small processing fee of ₩5,000 applies.
What happens to unclaimed plaques?	Unused plaques are recycled into artistic mosaics displayed in the park’s visitor centre.
Is there a tax deduction?	Donations qualify for a 15 % income‑tax credit under Seoul’s “Eco‑Donation” scheme (2026 fiscal guidelines).
Are pets allowed in the park during the event?	Leashed pets are welcome; though, thay must stay clear of planting zones for safety.

Timeline Overview

Date	Milestone
Jan 15 2026	Challenge officially opens; donation portal live.
Feb 28 2026	Mid‑campaign audit published; adjustments to planting schedule if needed.
Mar 20 2026	First planting ceremony – 350 saplings and 80 nameplates installed.
Apr 30 2026	donation deadline; final plaque engraving completed.
May 5 2026	Celebration event – ribbon‑cutting, donor recognition, media coverage.
Jun 1 2026	Post‑event impact report released on the district’s sustainability dashboard.

How the Initiative Aligns with Seoul’s Sustainable Goals

• Carbon Neutrality 2030: Directly contributes to the city’s target of 30 % reduction in district‑level emissions by expanding urban canopy cover.
• Smart City Integration: QR‑coded plaques link to an AR experience that shows tree growth metrics and biodiversity data in real time.
• Inclusive urban Planning: The project prioritizes accessible design—plaques are placed at wheelchair‑friendly heights and include braille descriptions.

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